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Beaches, Snorkeling & Water Fun
There
are plenty of beaches to be played on. One of National Geographics “ten
best beaches” in the world, Magen's Bay, is just a 5 minute drive from Mahogany Breeze Villa. At Magen's Bay Beach,
you will find a one mile heart-shaped beach of pure white sand, fringed
with coconut palms and sea grape trees, a great beach bar and dreamy
views. Mahogany Breeze Villa is also less than 15 minutes from Coki Beach
which is great for snorkeling and scuba diving; 15 minutes to Downtown
Charlotte Amalie for shopping and dining; less than 15 minutes to
Sapphire Beach & Marina, and 20 minutes to Red Hook to ferry to St
John. A favorite place on Sunday afternoons is Sapphire Beach
with local bands providing great entertainment there. Sapphire
Beach has water sports, a restaurant and bar, gift shop and a dive shop
that rents equipment. Jet skis can be rented over at Sapphire
Marina from Isaac. Taking a boat trip to the British Virgin Islands
is also another way to spend a great day on the water. You can take a
private boat, with or without your own captain, go on an excursion
power boat or sailboat. We personally have taken the New Horizon Day Sails, Limnos, Breakaway,
and rented our own boat with a captain. There's "The Baths" at Virgin
Gorda, "The Caves" at Norman Island, Jost Van Dyke, Marina Cay. You are
required to bring proof of citizenship to enter the BVIs.
Local Dining
After all the fun day in the sun or shopping, you can stop for refreshments at one of the beach bars like Iggie's Beach Bar and Grill on Bolongo Bay or Molly Malones at Red Hook or feast on gourmet cuisine offered by any number of the islands' award winning restaurants. Some of our favorites are Banana Tree Grille at Bluebeard's Castle, The Old Stone Farmhouse, Craig & Sally's in Frenchtown, Amalia Cafe, and Havana Blue at Morningstar Beach Club, Agave Terrace at Point Pleasant,
just to name a few. For those fast food lovers, you can find a Subway,
McDonald's, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Pizza Hut, and Wendy's on St.
Thomas.
Red Hook and the American Yacht Harbor
Fifteen minutes from Mahogany Breeze Villa is the American Yacht Harbor
in Red Hook, on the eastern end of St Thomas. In addition to several
fabulous restaurants, and one of St Thomas's best gourmet markets
(Marina Market-where you can even buy Kobe Beef from Japan!), this is
one of the best spots for sailing and sport fishing charters. The Ferry
to St. John & Tortola are also located in Red Hook. 
Mahogany
Run Golf Course
Mahogany Breeze Villa is located within the gated community of Mahogany Run Golf Village, the home of Mahogany Run Golf Course,
the premier golf club in the Virgin Islands. The 18 hole George and Tom
Fazio designed course was opened in 1980. Golf Digest proclaimed it an
engineering marvel as the course had to be carved and blasted into an
area of land just less than 110 acres. With only 77,000 square feet of
greens and tight winding fairways this is target golf with beautiful
views culminating in the courses signature holes, 13, 14 and 15 known
as the Devil's Triangle. Number 13 is a dog-let left that
requires an accurate 200 yard tee shot followed by a wedge into a
postage stamp green that sits right on the Atlantic Ocean. Number
14 is a par three with no fairway at all as the golfer must play the
ball out over the ocean battling swirling winds and world class views
of the privately owned Hans Lollick with a dazzling white beach and
Jost Van Dyke and Tortola, both British Virgin Islands. This exquisite
vista teases even the most seasoned golfers to take their eyes off the
ball and have a look.
If
13 and 14 do not bring you to your knees, number 15 will. This 560/520
yard par 5 is the number one handicap hole on the course. Once again,
accuracy off the tee is vital and if you hit a monster you will be
tempted to take your second shot over the pond which could get you in
trouble because of the out of bounds right behind the drastically
sloping green. All of this would explain why those intrepid few that
make it through The Devil's Triangle without incurring a penalty stroke
receive a prize in the pro shop for their efforts. Over the
years, The Devil's Triangle has been challenged by thousands of golfers
including the likes of NFL Stars: Steve Bartkowski, Alan Pinkett, Ed
"Too Tall" Jones, Mark Bavarro, Andy Russell, Robin Cole, Emmitt Smith
and Tony Dorsett, NBA Stars: Julius Erving, Kevin McHale, Danny Ainge,
Robert Parrish, and Spud Webb, Baseball Stars: Pedro Guerrerro and Paul
Molitor, College Football Coaching Legends: Lou Holtz, Haden Frye and
Bobby Bowden, Boxing Star: Tommy "Hitman" Hearns, Actors: Leslie
Nielsen, John Travolta, Sylvestor Stallone, Golfing Legends: Billy
Casper, short game guru Dave Pelz, touring pro and professional
imitator, Peter Jacobsen, Tom Watson, golf's superstar, Tiger Woods and
The Nation's First Golfer: President Clinton who played in both 1997
and 1998.
Mahogany Run is open to the public. The pro shop is fully stocked with
brand name merchandise including Ashworth, Izod, Monterrey Club,
Callaway and Gear. Quality rental clubs are also available. Tee times
for groups of less than twelve are taken 48 hours in advance at: (340)
777- 6006, extension 1 or (800) 253-7103. The breathtaking coastline of
St. Thomas and the natural contours of its hills and valleys combine
with year-round sunshine and tropical flora to create the golfing
thrill of a lifetime. |
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